So, finally we have a T20 World Cup. When does the action start?
Indeed, after a gap of five years, we have a T20 World Cup again. The tournament begins on Sunday with a double header. In the first game, Oman will take on Papua New Guinea. Later in the day, Bangladesh will face Scotland. The final will be played on November 14.
Who are the hosts this time?
The BCCI are the hosts but the matches will be played in the UAE and Oman. The decision to move the tournament out of India was taken in June, keeping in mind the Covid-19 situation in the country and the possibility of a third wave of infections.
How many teams in the tournament?
Sixteen.
What is the points system and what happens if teams are tied during either round?
In both rounds, a team will get two points for a win; one point for a tie, no result or abandonment; and zero points for a loss.
If two or more teams finish on equal points in their group, the following parameters will be considered, in the order below, to break the deadlock:
- Number of wins
- Net run rate
- Head-to-head result (points first, then net run rate in that game)
- Original first-round/Super-12 seedings
Will the DRS be available?
Yes, for the first time a men's T20 World Cup will have reviews. Each team will be allowed a maximum of two unsuccessful requests per innings, as has been the case in T20Is since cricket resumed after the pandemic.
Who are the favourites to win the tournament?
If any team can be thought of as favourites, it has to be England. However, defending champions West Indies, and India, are more than capable of toppling them, and New Zealand and Pakistan cannot be taken lightly either.
What do the winners take home?
The champions get US$1.6 million, the runners-up $800,000, and the losing semi-finalists $400,000 each.
Are spectators allowed at the venues?
Yes, but in a reduced capacity. The Al Amerat Stadium in Oman has built a temporary structure to host 3000 fans. The Oman government has made it mandatory for all those entering the country, and the stadium, to be fully vaccinated. In the UAE, all venues will be operating at approximately 70% of the maximum capacity. *Fans need to be double vaccinated to be at the stadium in Abu Dhabi, but not in Dubai and Sharjah. They will have to wear masks at all venues.
